...Prime Minister proposed three changes

In winding up the debate at 2.57 a.m. yesterday in Parliament, she noted Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley’s concerns that the country would be at standstill and there was room for misbehaviour in the 15-day waiting period in the event of a run-off vote. Persad-Bissessar provided an amendment to the bill so that once there is a clear majority—21 seats and more—the President moves to appoint a Prime Minister without fail.

However, she said if there is a case where a run-off vote decides the next Government, the 15-day period stays so a determination can be made based on the run-off results. The second amendment is to ensure there is a time limit of three days for the Elections and Boundaries Commission to review an application for recall.

The third amendment provides for a limit to the number of recalls that can be applied for in a constituency.